The Balochistan government has formally abolished the long-standing ‘A’ and ‘B’ area system by merging the Levies Force into the provincial police, a major administrative and security reform aimed at ensuring uniform law enforcement across the province.
The decision was approved by the provincial cabinet, with the remaining Sibi and Loralai divisions officially declared ‘A’ areas, bringing all districts of Balochistan under the jurisdiction of the Balochistan Police.
End of a Dual Policing System
For decades, law enforcement in Balochistan operated under a dual structure: the Balochistan Police in ‘A’ areas and the Levies Force in ‘B’ areas, which functioned under district and divisional administrations. Officials said the parallel system created administrative ambiguity and uneven application of laws.
With the latest notification, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, all provincial and ex-federal Levies personnel — including members of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Wing — have been formally integrated into the Balochistan Police.
Assets, Budget and Infrastructure Transferred
Under the merger, all assets and resources of the Levies Force have been transferred to the police with immediate effect. These include:
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Budgetary allocations and finances
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DDO codes
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Arms and ammunition
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Police stations, check-posts and pickets
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Vehicles and official records
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Ongoing investigations
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Training institutions and auxiliary infrastructure
All merged personnel will retain their existing ranks, pay scales, benefits and nomenclature, while their administration and service matters will now be governed under the Balochistan Police Act, 2011.
Training of Former Levies Personnel Underway
As part of the transition, the Balochistan Police launched an accelerated training programme on January 1, 2026, at the Police Training College (PTC) in Quetta.
A total of 772 former Levies officers are currently enrolled in a three-month course designed to prepare them for regular ‘A’ area policing. The programme includes:
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Physical fitness training
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Weapons handling and marksmanship
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Counter-terror preparedness
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Investigative techniques
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Legal education
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Intelligence-based and community policing
Trainees are being accommodated on-site, with upgraded residential and training facilities.
Completion of a Province-Wide Reform
This final phase completes a process initiated in October 2025, when six of Balochistan’s eight divisions — Quetta, Kalat, Makran, Zhob, Rakhshan and Nasirabad — were converted into ‘A’ areas. Sibi and Loralai divisions, including districts such as Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Harnai and Ziarat, were the last to be transitioned.
Commissioners of Sibi and Loralai divisions have been directed to complete all administrative and operational formalities within 30 days.
CM Bugti: Administrative Ambiguity Resolved
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, in a post on X, said the decision had resolved a long-standing governance issue in the province.
“The administrative ambiguity over the implementation of a uniform law in Balochistan has been officially resolved. The division into A and B areas has been abolished, and the Levies Force has been formally and legally merged into the Balochistan Police,” he said.
He added that the move would clarify state responsibilities and strengthen public protection across the province.
Security Implications Highlighted
The development was also discussed during a press briefing by Director General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who termed the merger a significant step in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts.
“This will have far-reaching consequences. It is part of efforts to combat terrorism at the ground level and dismantle the terror-crime nexus at the grassroots,” he said.
Focus on Professional Policing
Officials said the police department is simultaneously improving training standards, welfare facilities and residential infrastructure to ensure professionalism, accountability and transparency.
PTC Commandant Shahzad Akbar said residential blocks had been upgraded with modern facilities, while training grounds, including the parade area and a newly developed futsal ground, had been improved to promote physical fitness and safe training practices.
Authorities believe the merger will enhance coordination, improve law enforcement effectiveness and help restore public trust in policing across Balochistan.
